By Tyler Harper
Sports Editor
Rams men’s hockey goalies stopped a combined 124 shots during a three game road trip last weekend. Starting goaltender Paul Gibson blocked 34 shots Thursday night against the CIS 6th ranked University of Western Ontario in an upset 5-2 Rams win.
He faced 40 shots in a 9-1 blow out loss to Wilfred Laurier University Saturday. Back up goalie Pierre Beaulieu filled in for Gibson Sunday with an explosive performance.
He stopped 50 shots in the Rams 4-3 win against the CIS 11th ranked University of Waterloo. Beaulieu said the game was a high point for the Rams.
“It was a gutsy performance,” he said. “The team played well in front of me. [The Rams] definitely have confidence in both me and Gibson.”
Coach Graham Wise said he is enjoying the luxury of playing two hot goaltenders. “Paul was under the weather and Pierre stepped up to the plate and did the job. As a coach you can’t ask for anything better.”
Despite the loss to Laurier, Wise was pleased with the team’s weekend performance. “It’s playoff hockey now,” he said. Obviously you have to give the team full marks for the road trip and getting six points.”
The Rams improved to 7-11-3. This week the team plays a critical home-and-home series against division rival University of Toronto. Seven games remain in the regular season schedule and only two points seperate the Rams and Toronto in the OUA Mid-East division.
“Those are big games,” said Wise. “Is it any bigger than playing your cross town rival?”
Upcoming Rams Games: Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m @ George Bell Arena Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m @ Toronto
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